Parasites as integrators of ecosystem health: A multi-taxable perspective on wildlife ecology

Parasites are increasingly recognized as critical components of ecological systems, with profound impacts on biodiversity, food web dynamics, and ecosystem functioning. Far from being mere agents of disease, parasites can serve as sensitive and integrative indicators of environmental health, responding predictably to changes in habitat quality, climate variability, pollution, and host biodiversity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the ecological roles of parasites and their utility as bioindicators across multiple taxa, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Emphasis is placed on how parasite diversity, prevalence, and community structure reflect underlying ecosystem processes and disturbances. Methodological approaches to parasite monitoring, including field sampling, molecular techniques, and host-parasite network analysis, are discussed alongside challenges such as complex life cycles and host specificity. Emerging research directions highlight the potential for integrating parasite-based metrics into conservation biology, ecosystem management, and biodiversity assessment frameworks. Recognizing parasites as integral ecological players offers a more comprehensive and realistic understanding of ecosystem health in a rapidly changing world.